Shetland Cattle take snow in their stride

Shetland Cattle are taking the snow in their stride on Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Upton
Heath nature reserve. The rare breed cattle, which are full size unlike Shetland ponies, are living up to their reputation for hardiness. They are currently on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s ‘at risk’ list as numbers have reduced due to intensive farming.

The six cattle are grazing in the fenced southern part of Upton Heath, helping to keep the rare habitat in good condition to allow the heathers and other specialist plants to flourish. The reserve is an important stronghold of rare birds including Dartford warblers and is home to all six species of British reptile. The Shetland cattle will be grazing on the heath for a few weeks before moving on to other DWT reserves in the county.
 

Good advice if you are going to see them..

Nicky Hoar, Communications Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “The cattle are really showing how tough they are in these conditions, it’s just snow off a cow’s back for them. We hope people will enjoy seeing them but please do not feed them as they thrive on poor pasture and we are making sure they have enough food and drink. If anyone does have any concerns, please ring us on 07970 552679.”
 

For more information please contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01202 692033.
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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Dorset Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the county and now has over 25,000 members and manages over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve.

The largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues. It leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.